07/06/2013

Van Killer Matthew Tvrdon Detained Indefinitely

Matthew Tvrdon, the man who used a van to kill one and injure 17 others in Cardiff, has been detained indefinitely at Ashworth secure psychiatric hospital.

A review has also been order into the care Tvrdon received for mental health problems

It has been reported that Tvrdon, a diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic, was told to phase out the medication he used to control his condition.

According to the Guardian, Mr Justice Wyn Griffiths noted that Tvrdon’s mental health had declined as he came off the medication, but added that he did not blame him for this as he had been advised to do reduce his medication.

During the trial Tvrdon’s history of mental health issues were revealed.

In 2003 Tvrdon was admitted to a mental health hospital after jumping from a window. He was found to be suffering a severe psychotic illness.

In 2007 he was sectioned under the mental health act after he was apprehended carrying an airgun. He was found to be suffering auditory hallucinations and believed people were conspiring against him. He was released however, when he convinced a panel his symptoms had gone.

In 2011 he was discharged from a psychiatric hospital after it was ruled he was not a danger. It was at this time he was told to reduce his medication over the course of a year.

His van attack happened in October 2012.

Two reviews into the care given to Tvrdon are now underway, one by the Healthcare Inspectorate Wales and one by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

(MH/IT)

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